Open up Small Living Spaces with Mirrors

By: Dawn Monclova



Living or working in a small space can feel a little cloister phobic, but they're many ways to expand the size of your small living space and give it an open feel without having to move or break down any walls. 

Mirrors can quickly and easily double your space and add depth, width, light and style to any area in your home, apartment or office. Mirrors are functional and decorative elements of illusion and even bring the outside in when placed in the right place.


What you need:

All Mirrors
Large Floor Mirrors

Tile Mirrors

Door Mirrors

Hanging Wall Mirrors

Decorative Fancy/Funky  Mirrors
Antique Mirrors
Marcello Full Floor Rustic Mirror 

                 
When adding mirrors to your space, remember that you don't have to add them to the entire wall. You can get the same effect by placing appropriate sized mirrors strategically around the room to open it up and let in the light. There are several varieties and styles of mirrors to choose from. Choose a style and size that suits your space and taste. One of the best places to add mirrors are opposite windows because it brings the outside indoors, giving the room added depth, natural sunlight and some additional windows.

To add style and dimension to your living or dining room, create a collage of different size mirrors on your wall behind the couch, over the fireplace or on the opposite side of your seating area; use it as your art work. You can also use a large decorative floor mirror on the opposite side of your seating area to capture the entire room and double the space. To bring length to your hallway, place mirrors on the wall opposite your entrance; whenever you enter you'll feel a sense of depth and openness(all of your decorations will also double).

Use large decorative mirrors in your foyer for added light and dimension. To add width to your staircase, place mirrors on the walls going up the stairs(staggering the mirrors on each side creates a designer look). To add width to your office space, place a wall of mirrors on a side wall, or on the wall opposite the entrance to double the room size. Mirror tiles can be added to the inside back of bookshelves, entertainment centers and glass cabinets to double your books, decorative accessories, china and collectibles.

 Reflective Gaze Hand Mirror Wall Sculpture 

Placing large door mirrors on the doors in or outside your bedroom, hallway and bathroom gives the surrounding areas added dimension and light. Large mirrors behind your bed head or on the side walls of your bedroom will expand your room size. Using mirrors behind your bar, as a back splash, or on the bottom of your kitchen island lightens up those areas, adds a great design element, and reflects the surrounding décor.

Creative tips:

For a unique designer look on a budget, purchase several of those inexpensive long closet-door mirrors sold at large department stores (re-paint the trim if you choose; brown, black or white finish looks great) and place them side by side on top & bottom of each other to create large faux (fake) loft-like windows (you can even add drapes to create an authentic look). These mirrors can be used in any room to add style and open up many different spaces.

Tips:

Mirrors have many uses and can also be used for coffee table tops, trays, place mats, table runner, etc. Make sure the space you're reflecting is worth reflecting because you'll have a double view of the space. Keep your clutter to a minimum.

20" Shabby Chic Wood Arched-Top Wall Mirror

 Be creative; don't be afraid that using mirrors will make your place look tacky, give yourself "decorative credit." If used correctly, mirrors can be a stunning way to expand your small space.

Creating Custom Wall Art with Stretched Canvas

By: Dawn Monclova

Modern Abstract Ready to Hang Stretched Canvas Oil Painting

If you’re looking for a unique and cost-effective way to dress-up your walls, why not create your own masterpiece with canvas and paint. Creating an original work of art shouldn’t be intimidating, but it should be a fun and creative way to express yourself. There are no rules to follow, just create something that makes you feel good and complements your space.

If you're an artist, that’s great! But if you’re a novice you can use several tools to help you create a unique piece. Start your project by purchasing inexpensive stretched artist canvas in the size of your choice, then choose acrylic or oil based paints to put onto your blank canvas. I’m not a painter, but I used my limited skills to create a couple of eclectic original art pieces that work for my living space.

On one of my pieces I used several 16"x20" stretched canvas pieces and hot glued them together (side by side – up & down) to create the look and size I wanted for my wall space. I added lightweight fast-drying spackle to fill on the areas that were glued together (using a spackle knife), and created depth and texture to the piece by placing spackle onto  random areas around the canvas (you can also add white glue to random areas to get a crackled look).

I painted the background with a flat black paint and used oil-based artist paints (several rich colors -- use colors to suit your style/taste) sporadically  around the canvas. I squirted different colors to different areas and used a spackle knife to spread out the paint (instead of using a paint brush); the blended paints created a unique design/art piece. To add additional depth, I added specific colors to certain areas around the canvas to highlight it—remember, you’re creating art, as long as it looks good to you it’s art. When you’ve got the look you want, let it dry, sign your masterpiece and display it proudly.

In another original art piece, I used my limited painting skills and two 24"x36" stretched canvas pieces, glued them together (same as above) and painted a bowl of fruit the way I perceived it. You don't have to be an artist to paint your own masterpiece. Art is perception, it's based on what the individual sees and feels when they look at it. So, be your own artist and express yourself!

Tools Needed:

• Stretched artist canvas
• Spackle
• Spackle Knife
• Paint (any type—acrylic, oil, stains, glazes)
• Sponge brush- Paint brushes

*Canvas painting Ideas:

1. Stencil- use stencils on your canvas to create a great look
2. Modeling Paste- use modeling paste with stencils to create a raised textured look & feel
3. Wood Stain- use wood stain to create a wood block piece